Spector murder case goes to jury after five months of testimony

ATTORNEY AND CLIENT: Music producer Phil Spector, left, is greeted by his defense attorney Linda Kenny Baden during his murder trial in Los Angeles, in an Aug. 23, 2007 photo. Associated Press/Fred Prouser

LOS ANGELES - The murder case against record producer Phil Spector was submitted to the jury Monday after five months of testimony in which prosecutors sought to show he had history threatening women before Lana Clarkson died of a gunshot through the mouth, and the defense contended the actress killed herself.

Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler sent the panel into deliberations after asking if any had heard or seen any news reports during the weekend that could affect their discussions. No one raised a hand.

Spector, 67, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Clarkson, 40, a few hours after she went home with him from her job as a VIP hostess at the House of Blues on Feb. 3, 2003.

Spector faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted.

The judge asked the jury of nine men and three women about possible media influence because of an overseas newspaper report that quoted Spector as criticizing the judge and the jury pool.

The judge earlier raised the issue of media contacts in a hearing outside the presence of the jury, leading to a contentious exchange with Spector's wife, who tried to argue with the judge but ended up being hit with a gag order.

A London newspaper, The Mail on Sunday, said that Spector said the judge “doesn't like me” and that most of the prospective jurors brought in for the case indicated they believed he was guilty or insane.

The paper said Spector made the remarks to a documentary filmmaker he spoke to over a five-month period.

“I did not make those statements,” Spector said as he arrived at court. “They are reprehensible and false. Whoever made them on my behalf should be put in jail. I'm sure the jury will do a good job.”

A blow-up between the judge and Spector's wife, Rachelle, occurred when the judge began to address the issue of media contacts that could lead to influencing the jury during deliberations.

The judge said Rachelle Spector sent e-mails to reporters during the weekend pointing out a TV interview she had given, despite the fact he had made sure she had been warned about such activity.

“Ma'am, I'm going to do something I've never done before,” the judge said. “You are here in the courtroom. You will not talk to the press ... until a verdict or other decision is arrived at in this case. If you do, you're in violation of my order and you know what I do to people who violate my orders.”

Rachelle Spector began to talk back from the gallery.

“Ma'am, you're in front of me,” the angered judge interjected. “You're in front of me! I'm making an order. You want to violate my order, go ahead and do so. I can assure you I will hold you in contempt of court for violating my order and I will treat it according.”

Rachelle Spector began to argue, and the judge jumped in and again warned of consequences.

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